Only yours

Brazil

I paused for a moment and watched her leave. How did this woman manage to captivate me so quickly? If I didn't have so much on my mind, I would have definitely chased after her for some relief. But under the circumstances, it was probably for the best.

When I returned to the small lounge, Usagi and her boss had already disappeared, and my father had left as well.

"Massaru?" I called out a bit tensely, and just seconds later, I heard the door open behind me. "Take me to the jet. I want you to stay here and keep an eye on her. Discreetly, of course. Also, conduct some interviews. I want a selection of bodyguards for her when I return. Are my things packed?"

"Everything is ready for takeoff in the jet. As soon as you're finished, we can go," Massaru replied calmly.

I let out a deep breath. "Good, let's not waste any more time. Although I have little hope of finding him there. Do I already have a hotel room in Brazil?"

"Yes, of course. Everything is prepared as usual."

At least I could use the 23-hour flight to Brazil to finish up the remaining paperwork without interruption. I effectively had only two days in Brazil to find out something, as my presence was required in Osaka on Saturday.

A wave of heat hit me as I stepped off the jet in Rio. I rolled up my shirt sleeves to better cope with the temperatures. I tossed my jacket and suitcase onto the back seat and drove off.

The small house where I suspected he was had been purchased by Saphir long before our fallout, and I was sure I would find something there. It was located a bit outside, near Santa Sophia. At least the streets here were emptier than in Tokyo. Driving there was really a nightmare.

During the drive, I received a call from Kunzite. I activated the hands-free system. "Oh, you're still alive?"

"Not funny. Kaori was really upset. Are you in Brazil yet?"

"Just landed, heading to Santa Sophia now. And you?"

"I was just at your mother's. She hasn't seen him in six months. But she gave me the master keys to the properties. I'll check them out."

"Sounds good. Did you take Kaori with you?"

"Yes, she's staying with your mother. I heard something about a spa day."

"At least she's busy."

I heard a quiet chuckle from Kunzite.

"Alright, I'll get in touch if there's anything new," I said tersely, still feeling the effects of the long flight.

"Okay."

When I finally arrived in Santa Sophia, it was already dark. Of course, Saphir had staff at the house to keep it in pristine condition, but I didn't want to disturb them at this hour. From here, it was just a short distance to his house, which I would tackle in the morning. The strain of travel was evident in my bones, so I headed to the large hotel and drove into the underground garage.

"A room under the name Prince," I told the receptionist, who quickly typed into her computer. "The presidential suite?" she asked after a few minutes.

"Yes. Have my luggage sent up; I'll be heading to the bar first."

She handed me the key card, and one of the bellhops rushed over. I handed him my suitcase and gave him a tip before settling at the bar.

"A double scotch, smoky, neat," I called out to the bartender, who nodded in acknowledgment.

A young, attractive woman with black curls sat down at one of the small tables to my left a little while later, staring directly at me. She was indeed very attractive, and if I hadn't been so tired, she would have definitely caught my interest. Instead, I gave her a tired smile and raised my glass in greeting. I wasn't in the mood for flirting. I was acutely aware of what happened when I met with a woman too often. Usagi was in danger because of me. How could I be so foolish and break my own rules?